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Doctors that treat various disorders and conditions of the feet are known as podiatrists. It is considered to be a specialized form of medicine, and research has indicated that certain foot ailments may be indicative of existing medical concerns that are present in the body such as diabetes. A podiatrist is responsible for furnishing patients with consultations, properly diagnosing foot conditions, and may also provide foot and ankle surgery. Mandatory schooling consists of earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by obtaining a doctorate from an accredited college. This is generally completed in four years, after which a three year podiatric residency must also be completed . Many podiatrists choose to practice in hospitals, become part of a group practice, or may work independently. For people that are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to answer any questions you may have.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Mid-foot stress fractures in runners often involve the navicular bone, which lies between the ankle and the front of the foot. Repetitive impact from running can place excessive pressure on this bone. This often happens during foot strike, when the navicular becomes trapped between the talus and the cuneiform bones. The resulting pressure can eventually cause a small crack to form, which leads to pain on the top or inner side of the mid-foot. Because these mid-foot stress fractures are difficult to detect on standard X-rays, advanced imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, is often needed to confirm the diagnosis. Without proper care, the fracture can become worse or heal improperly, resulting in long-term pain or weakness. A podiatrist can assess the injury, ensure accurate imaging, and recommend appropriate treatment or surgery if needed. If you have mid-foot pain while running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Practicing yoga can help prevent aching feet by stretching, strengthening, and improving circulation in the lower extremities. Hero’s pose stretches the arches and ankles, relieving tension from prolonged standing or walking. Finger threading involves interlacing toes to increase flexibility and mobility in the toes and forefoot. Downward dog elongates the calves and plantar fascia, reducing strain on the heels and arches. The squat position strengthens the muscles supporting the arches and improves balance. Additionally, toe balance exercises focus on lifting and spreading toes to enhance stability and prevent cramping. A podiatrist can provide guidance on proper technique, recommend additional stretches, and assess foot structure to prevent pain. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you on relief tips, which may include additional yoga poses. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe surgery is performed to correct a deformity where a toe bends abnormally at one or more joints, often causing pain, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes. Surgery becomes necessary when conservative treatments no longer relieve discomfort. There are two main types of procedures, internal fixation and decompression techniques. Internal fixation involves straightening the toe and stabilizing it with small implants. Decompression surgery releases tight tendons or removes a small piece of bone to restore alignment. A podiatrist evaluates the severity of the deformity and recommends the most suitable option for lasting relief. If you have this condition that is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of hammertoe surgery and discuss whether it is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.